Toni Fernandez leaves Barcelona academy to join Venezia on permanent transfer

Barcelona have finalized a deal to sell 18-year-old midfielder Toni Fernandez to Serie A club Venezia. The permanent transfer is valued at €4 million and includes both a 50% sell-on clause and a buy-back option for the Catalan club. While Barcelona originally planned to send the academy graduate out on loan for senior experience, Fernandez sought a permanent move to ensure regular first-team football. The midfielder attracted interest from clubs in Germany and England, including Aston Villa, before opting for the Italian side. Venezia views the teenager as a significant addition to their project and hopes to integrate him into their long-term plans. The move concludes the player's tenure at La Masia as he shifts his focus toward consistent senior competition in Italy.

• 6:55 PMYahoo Sports — Confirmed: Barcelona prodigy joins Serie A club on a permanent transfer
• 6:54 PMYahoo Sports — Barcelona agree Toni Fernandez transfer with Venezia
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